Compensation and benefits for victims of terrorist attacks
Updated 29 July 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/compensation-and-welfare-benefits-for-victims-of-terrorist-attacks/compensation-for-victims-of-terrorist-attacks
Compensation for victims of terrorist attacks in the UK
Anyone who has been directly injured by a terrorist incident in England, Scotland or Wales can apply for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
CICA will consider your application under the the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 and will co-ordinate the collection of evidence to be used in the future decision-making process.
Northern Ireland has its own Scheme you can apply to.
The Support Hub for victims and survivors of terrorism can help you with applying for compensation through the Scheme.
Contact the Support Hub free 24/7 helpline 0808 168 9111 or live chat.
Your local police and crime commissioner can also help with applying. Contact details are available from the Victims Information Service on 0808 168 9293.
If you have been affected by a terrorist attack involving a motor vehicle
Anyone injured or directly affected by a terrorist incident in the UK that involved the use of a motor vehicle, and which took place on or after 1 January 2019, can call the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) claims helpline on 0800 130 3885 for expert advice on any potential claim. The helpline is free to call, but please note that it will only be ‘live’ after a specific incident for which MIB will handle the claims.
Compensation for victims of terrorist attacks abroad
The Support Hub can help you find out about applying for compensation for victims of terrorist attacks abroad through CICA.
Contact the Support Hub free 24/7 helpline on 0808 168 9111 or live chat.
You can download the application form and post it to:
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme (VOTCS) team
PO Box 26996
Glasgow
G2 9ER
You can also apply by telephone on 0300 003 3601. CICA’s phone service is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3pm.
Charitable funds
Following a terrorist attack in the UK, charitable funds may be set up to help people who have been affected. For information and advice on the funds raised in response to the London and Manchester attacks please see the Charitable funds page.
Welfare benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may set up personalised emergency procedures to support victims of terrorism. Information about this will be available on the DWP GOV.UK pages during an incident. Information about what benefits may be available and how to claim is available on GOV.UK. Any payments made by the National Emergencies Trust will not affect DWP income-related benefit payments.
Get more support
More information is available about support services if you have been affected by a terrorist attack.